Am I suitable for Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is suitable for many people, including those with mild to moderate alignment issues such as crooked teeth, gaps, or bite problems. However, an exam with our dentists is necessary to determine if Invisalign® is the right option for your specific dental needs.
How long does Invisalign® treatment take?
Most Invisalign® treatments take between 12 and 18 months, although the exact timeline depends on the complexity of your case. During your exam, our dentists will assess your teeth and provide a personalised estimate for how long your treatment is likely to take.
How many hours per day do I need to wear Invisalign® aligners?
Invisalign® aligners should typically be worn for 20-22 hours per day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Wearing them for the recommended time helps ensure your teeth move as planned and keeps your treatment on schedule.
Will Invisalign® results look natural?
Yes, Invisalign® results are designed to look natural. The treatment gradually aligns your teeth while maintaining a natural-looking smile.
Will people notice I’m wearing Invisalign® aligners?
Most people won’t notice you’re wearing Invisalign® aligners. They are made from clear, medical-grade plastic that fits closely over your teeth, making them discreet when worn. Because the aligners are virtually transparent, they blend naturally with your teeth and are usually only noticeable if someone looks very closely.
Does Invisalign® hurt?
You may feel mild pressure or discomfort during the first few days of wearing a new set of aligners. This is completely normal, as it means your aligners are gently moving your teeth into the right position.
Most patients describe the feeling as pressure rather than pain. It usually settles after a few days. If needed, over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease any soreness. The good news is that most patients find Invisalign® much more comfortable than traditional braces, since there are no wires or brackets to irritate your mouth.
Will Invisalign® affect my speech?
Some people may experience a short adjustment period when they first start wearing Invisalign® aligners. Any speech changes are usually minor and temporary, and most patients adapt within a few days as their mouths become accustomed to the aligners.
Can I eat and drink normally with Invisalign® aligners?
Yes. Simply remove your aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. This removable design makes maintaining excellent oral hygiene simple and ensures you can enjoy all your favourite foods without restrictions.
How often do I need appointments during treatment?
Most patients visit our practices every 6-8 weeks for progress monitoring and to receive new aligners. These brief appointments ensure your treatment stays on track and address any concerns promptly.
Are there any side effects of Invisalign® treatment?
Some patients may experience mild discomfort, temporary tooth sensitivity, or slight changes in speech at the beginning of Invisalign® treatment, but these side effects are typically temporary and subside as you adjust to the aligners.
Will I need to wear a retainer after treatment?
Yes. Retainers help maintain the position of your teeth after Invisalign® treatment. Most patients wear retainers more frequently at first before transitioning to wearing them at night long-term.
We provide custom retainers and clear guidance on how and when to wear them.
How long will I need to wear a retainer?
Retainers help maintain the position of your teeth after Invisalign® treatment. Because teeth can gradually shift over time, retainers are usually recommended for lifelong use to help keep your teeth aligned.
Most patients wear their retainers more frequently at first, then transition to nighttime wear long-term. This typically means wearing your retainer for around 6-8 hours while sleeping.
Wearing your retainer consistently helps maintain the results achieved during Invisalign® treatment. Our dentists will provide custom retainers and clear guidance on how and when to wear them.
What’s the difference between Invisalign® aligners and retainers?
Invisalign® aligners are used during treatment to gradually move your teeth into better alignment. Each aligner is worn for around one to two weeks before moving to the next stage.
Retainers are used after treatment to help maintain your results. Once your teeth have moved into their new positions, retainers help keep them there. Most patients wear retainers more frequently at first and then transition to wearing them at night.
How much does Invisalign® cost?
Invisalign® treatment starts from £2,200, but as the treatment varies in complexity from person to person, the cost will differ depending on your unique situation.
During your exam, our dentists will be able to give you an estimate of how long the treatment is likely to take from start to finish, and then provide a bespoke quotation for your treatment based on that estimate.